The VO Life

Do you ever stop feeling REJECTED 95% of the time in VO? Let's put handling rejection in perspective today...and how age helps!

Even though we ALWAYS get a refund I HATE tax time. I have to gather so much info and funnel it into a spreadsheet and I just wish I had a "guy" or "gal" to do all of this... but ya know me.... ONE MAN SHOW!!!

Hello 2026...Goodbye first Quarter of the 2000's. Think about that. If you are a Boomer or GenX or like me call yourself a BOOMER-X you are FEELING THESE YEARS PASS TOO FAST!!! Let's look back at the VO of 202 not with brand names and accolades but with humility and hope! Happy New Year to all the VO Life fans and THANK YOU for another year!!

I would apologize but you get it.... we work hard, we have so much to do.... family, farm, tech, TIKTOK!!!!! Let's catch up and talk about how things are going with my VO Life!!

My father had that saying .... stop spinning your wheels! I knew EXACTLY what he meant... do YOU??

Who said I was leaving VO? Maybe no one... but I am seeing a huge transition in my business to UGC as I learn and market to agencies. The market is HUGE and te work is FLOWING! Here's how I am handling the change!

September is 1/3 of the way over and I am laying out my REVISED PLANS for the final quarter based on how the year has gone and how I need to finish... especially related to MARKETING my strengths. As voice actors we learn quickly we are in the business of HIGH REJECTIONS whether it is an audition or when marketing... we get no response, feedack or anything most of the time. What can we do DIFFERENTLY? Tune in and see!#voiceactor #voiceacting #voiceover #marketing #smallbusiness The VO Life Podcast is sponsored by VOInbox and VOLeadsGet 25 Free Leads with your subscription to VOInbox by entering TheVOLife as your code!Visit https://voinbox.com/ to learn more about the services or email me! VOInbox does the prospecting AND e-mailing for you! What is yout TIME worth to you? Marketing is something that needs to happen and it takes time... and most get frustrated too soon and stop marketing and following up. It can take a year or longer for a prospect to convert. It can take an hour to find a qualified lead. It can take 15 mons... but even at 5 an hour ask yourself WHAT YOUR TIME IS WORTH then INVEST in your marketing and "forget it". Write your email templates and you are DONE and let VOInbox take it from there. How much time do YOU want to get back?Schedule time with Troy here: https://calendly.com/troyholdenvo15m "Get To Know You" Free Consult30m Paid Business Consult60m Paid Business ConsultVoiceover is a HARD business to learn and grow. It is NOT a "GET RICH QUICK" thing and it is NOT about having a great voice (sound). Voiceover is voice ACTING and learning to ACT and be connected to the story and copy is key. It doesn't happen overnight! Have a question about voiceover? Click the email link on my website after you visit! https://www.troyholdenvoices.com

In this engaging conversation, Troy Holden and AJ DeLong delve into the world of podcasting technology, microphone choices, and the voiceover industry. Let's face it... they are GEARHEADS and love the gear and the excitement fo talking about it! They discuss how AJ bonds VO and WORKING AT SWEETWATER (the candy store?), the importance of equipment, and the evolution of music shops. AJ shares his journey as a voice actor, the challenges of the industry, and the significance of training and networking. The discussion also touches on the importance of voice care, current projects, and the excitement of exploring new audio technology.The importance of choosing the right microphone for voice work.Sweetwater provides a unique experience for audio professionals.Daily life as a sales engineer involves interacting with various clients.Transitioning to band and orchestra rentals has opened new opportunities.The evolution of music shops reflects changes in the industry.Voice acting can lead to unexpected opportunities in audio drama.Training and coaching are crucial for success in voiceover work.Caring for one's voice is essential for voice actors... but we suck at it.Networking within the voiceover community can lead to valuable connections."I love tech. I just love the stuff.""You only live once. Don't worry about it."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Podcasting Technology03:02 Exploring Microphone Choices05:54 The Sweetwater Experience08:53 Transitioning to Band and Orchestra Rentals11:47 The Importance of Quality Instruments14:40 Nostalgia for Music Shops17:46 Balancing Voice Acting and Sales20:53 Lessons Learned in Voice Acting22:37 Navigating the Evolving Voiceover Landscape27:14 The Importance of Vocal Care and Maintenance32:33 Microphone Choices and Quality in Voiceover40:43 Finding Your Niche in Voiceover Work47:28 The Creative Energy of Conferences49:16 Navigating the Voiceover Roller Coaster51:22 The Passion Behind Voiceover Work52:25 The Journey to Voiceover Success53:19 The Unicorns of Voiceover54:33 Headphone Innovations for Voiceover01:01:23 The Importance of Proper Studio Setup01:05:47 Voiceover Gear and Signal Chain01:09:17 Connecting with the Voiceover Community

In this conversation, Troy Holden and George Washington III discuss the transition from PC to Mac, the revival of the WOVO organization, and the importance of community and mentorship in the voice acting industry. They explore the unique unconference style of WovoCon, the significance of emotional connection in voice over work, and the challenges of navigating rates and negotiations in the industry, especially in the context of AI's growing presence.TakeawaysTransitioning to Apple can enhance productivity and creativity.WOVO aims to revive community engagement through unconference events.Building connections is as crucial as the content shared at conferences.Emotional connection is key in voice acting, not just information delivery.Mentorship programs can guide new voice actors through their journey.Understanding industry rates is essential for fair compensation.AI cannot replicate the emotional depth of human voice acting.Networking opportunities at smaller conferences foster lasting relationships.Voice actors should advocate for their worth in negotiations.Community support is vital for voice actors working in isolation.Navigating the Voice Acting LandscapeThe Power of Community in Voice Over"Everything is teachable.""We have to defend what we can defend.""AI can't act and it can't feel."Chapters00:00 Transitioning to Apple: A Personal Journey02:56 Reviving WOVO: The Unconference Approach05:53 Building Community Through WOVO08:58 The Importance of Personal Connections in Voice Acting11:57 Mentorship and Support in the Voiceover Industry15:01 Navigating the Voiceover Landscape: Lessons Learned23:49 Building Community and Experience in Voice Acting25:17 Understanding Voice Acting Rates26:38 Negotiating Rates and Client Expectations29:32 The Impact of AI on Voice Acting32:40 Emotional Connection vs. AI in Voice Work40:29 Connecting with the Voice Acting Community

Touch Dip welcomes Rho Marsh over just to chat about stuff cause we haven't in awhile! Rho and I go way back and we just always had a connection and enjoy talking... so this week its me and RHO for THE SHOW!

Weird week, weird month, weird podcast. Lst minute stuff from July and is it time YOU made a pivot also??

Charles and Jake join the podcast tis week and it's like we never left off but... We sure miss Alden who is doing WELL by all means just busy in his other work! As usual we scatter and jump on several topics mainly catching up on our first half of 2025 and plans for the rest of the year AND we will ALL THREE be in Dalls for OVC Aug 22-24! Always good to have my guys on!

In this conversation,Tim will delve into the significance of improvisation in voice acting, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, emotional connection, and the necessity of training and coaching. They all discuss the challenges of navigating the voice acting industry, the role of personal experiences in performance, and the value of community and networking. The conversation also touches on the realities of voice acting, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and the resources available for aspiring voice actors.voice acting, improv, authenticity, emotional connection, training, coaching, community, networking, personal experiences, industry insights

After a MUCH DESERVED week off we are BACK and with my buddy Charles Coats the VO LIFE welcomes the multi-talented AMANDA ELGIE! Amanda is a member of the same club as Charles and I ... 5 years in and still standing! Enjoy meeting Amanda and hear about her journey from COLLEGE PROFESSOR to a fun and rewarding VO career.

In this episode of The VO Life, hosts Troy Holden and Rodney Turner, along with guest Jessica Mathison, explore the multifaceted world of voiceover acting. They discuss Jessica's unexpected journey into voiceover, the importance of branding, the role of technology, and the significance of coaching and research in building a successful voiceover career. The conversation also touches on the emerging field of user-generated content (UGC) and the necessity of authenticity in voice acting. Throughout the discussion, the hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, providing valuable advice for both new and experienced voice actors.Chapters00:00Welcome to the VO Life03:38Jessica's Journey into Voiceover14:28Building a Voiceover Business27:20Lessons from Voiceover Projects30:34The Journey of Voice Acting Setups34:26Exploring User Generated Content (UGC) Opportunities39:37The Evolution of Technology in Voice Acting43:28Authenticity in Voice Acting and Coaching47:59Personal Stories and Growth in Voice Acting

How can one person have so much on their plate and still have time to do the podcast? Jeff has his own Medical Practice focusing on Chiropractic, has B-N-B's, is an accomplished painter and scultpurer PLUS HAS A ROCKING VO BUSINESS! HOW DOES HE DO IT and remain CALM while having a teenager at home and another in college??? We talk about some of those struggles to find balance but let me just say... this guy is alwasy calm, collected and willing to help ANYONE who needs it. 2 good ol' boys just chatting on this SPECIAL ADDED EPISODE of the VO LIFE!

This guy! 20 years deep into the biz and still brings the FRESH...and I have to say my favorite part is the WARNINGS he got doing VO while still working in radio... and how it led him to leave and do this all in! Chris brings a lot of fun to the podcast today and joins me and Kaset for an hour of convo!

My marketing routine has finally shaped up after almost a year of building systems, tryinh CRM's and finally settling into 2 ways to go get those clients attention. One is HANDS OFF with VO Inbox and Jonathan Grant. The other is my TARGETED MARKETING for Automotive, Radio Imaging and Follow Up for ALL genres. How do I do it? Let's take a quick look!Wanna talk? Schedule time HERE . There is a 15m Free consult and other options when you are ready to look behind the curtain!

Matt Sheppard took a very long bicycle ride from home one day and stopped pedaling when he reached Northern Greece! Now he is a full time voice actor after being on camera and is "planted" where he feels he should be. Join us and hear how Matt made his transition into the VO Life!

With a wealth of experience in audiobooks and using his niche to the MAX J Rodney Turner is both neighbor and superstar in Audiobooks. Bill Marsh started in VO about 2 years ago and has been making the conference rounds and digging in. Let's talk to 2 guys in different stages and hear all about it!Reach out to Troy through his website... troyholdenvoices.com

Kasey Hott is the former TV News Personality who decided after 15 years it was time for change and BOY did she make changes... marraige, move, new house and FULL TIME VO! Shar Albert is taking life on after declaring "It is MY time" and is deep into VO as an audiobook narrator and now other genres as she just won the VO LIFE mock audition! Join us in a fun conversation and hear how THEY did the deal and keep grinding in their version of THEIR VO LIVES!Want to be a guest? Have a VO STORY to tell? Maybe CO-HOST an episode or 2?? Email me at [email protected] and get on the list!

One Voice Award Niminated in 2025 3 times voice actor Deanna Johnston joins me today and it's all about the grind and keeping the faith although WE KNOW NOT the supposed outcome of all those emails and auditions. When it becomes TOO MUCH what do we do and how do we adjust and maintain? We talk to a friend. Deanna and I have been on this journey about the same amount of time and she had some interesting perspectives to share about audtions, marketing, online casting and Fiverr where she was "one of those people" making 5 figures monthly early on.

You cannot use a USB mic...You must have agents... You cannot make 6 figures with your accent... SAY IT AIN'T SO!! Things I was told and things some assume can add up to bogging you down. Don't believe everything you hear or see and work it out for your self with someone you trust. All of this is leading up to OVC in August and my session covering accepting yourself as you. YOU can do most anything!

YOU have to study. YOU have to learn. YOU should know your rates and know YOUR WORTH as a voice actor when quoting broadcast work. It is COMPLICATED and I even use the GVAA daily. It is ALWAYS up on my screen because I also get confused and yes... sometimes have to ask for help! Do'nt leave a pile of cash on the table... you don't have to memorize it all but you need to know how to INTERPRET those rates! My pal Paul Schmidt has a great video course on rates you can get... visit https://vopro.pro/ to learn moreWant to schedule a consult with me? 30 MIN BUSINESS CONSULT do that here!Thanks for listening!

You got the job! Congrats! Now how do you KEEP the client? This episode is all about LOSING a client and the fastest ways to do so plus how to turn those things into the ones you should do to KEEP a client.Need VO Business Advice? I offer consults starting with a 15m free consult that NEVER stops at 15m! To schedule with me click this link:BOOK 15 MINS Marketing is hard... you got this!!

The little monsters that are hiding in your BRAIN are always trying to scre you or tempt you. BUY THIS.... DO THAT.... today we talk about a few of those monsters you can "quiet" in your head and focus on what matters in yout VO Business!!!

Time wasters and attitude downers.... how can we get rid of those in our business?

Michael Kussman is an audio engineer/VO that produces SPECTACULAR Demos for HALF of what you exoect with all the quality and attention that you'd expect. He weighs in today on the trends that are changing and the disdain he has for the word CONVERSATIONAL.... like we all do! Join us for 40 minutes or so of his knowledge and insight of the industry he loves.

MONEY is and will always be a sensitive subject. Some say TELL US! IT INSPIRES US! Others say NO... it is DEPRESSING that I am not doing as well as you and others and it hurts me. I do not know if it was TABOO for you as a kid to discuss MONEY but in our house we were taught that it was a PRIVATE MATTER and no one's business... so that is why I do not splatter my earnings all over and WHO DETERMINES HOW MUCH MONEY MAKES YOU A SUCCESS? If it is based on the NAVA survey... $50,000 is a pretty successful VO and over $100,000 is REALLY doing well but fairly... there is no measure and we all want to MAKE ALL WE CAN! RIGHT?????

Sometimes it is BEST to let that client go.... when shoud you "CUT TIES" and move on?? Here is my method and what usually happens after!

They are ALL back for a catch up episode! It's the full panel from ANOTHER VO PODCAST and we hope to have these sessions at least every other month... and catch up with each other on all of our BIZNESS dealings!

Welcoming our sponsor Jonathan Grant and VO Inbox!

Kicking off 2025!!

The lonely days of winter! Today we shift gears talking about our mental health in the booth especially realted to the dark and cold days of winter. Hopefully some of these tips may help YOU navigate the season that most of us do not love!

I recently posted a survey in the Facebook group and we had about 50 responses that solidified a lot of what is seen annually in the NAVA survey especially related to those making VERY LITTLE in VO and a handful making VERY A LOT! In this episode I go over this VERY informal survey to both encourage you and also drop some truth bombs about VO... mainly THIS IS NOT EASY!Entering my 4th year FULL TIME this month I have NUMEROUS TIMES felt I was crazy for doing this. The rejection, the risk, the disappointments are all so overwhelming at times but for me this is a lifelong dream branching from a life of creative attempts with others (music, etc) and now... it is just ME which can make it more demanding and just "hard".Join me on January 23rd to TALK ABOUT VO in a free webinar leading to NOTHING ELSE because I have decided I am NOT going to offer coaching but only consults about VO. This is a safe environment to ask away and learn about the rocky road of VO. Click below to register!FREE WEBINAR-20 PEOPLE

You are a BUSINESS. Act like it! The one takeaway here today is this... and it's in the first few minutes of the podcast and it's a quote from Tony Robbins. Go listen and be visible and make 2025 the year you acheive YOUR goals!

Here are links to the products I mentioned. REMEMBER... these are producsts I use and believe in but do not get PAID to sell you these. YOU should test and choose what works for you but I trust and use these items daily!!875R Microphone https://a.co/d/5euNjzOMK4 Microphone https://a.co/d/9wgTp7CAudient id4 Interface https://a.co/d/elJC9vyWorlds Best Cables 6’ https://a.co/d/479xTigMOUNT-IT Mic Arm https://a.co/d/06pu3XNPre-Sonus Eris 3.5 Monitors https://a.co/d/30PZIxj Furman Power Conditioner https://a.co/d/64bn1BUWeilisi 10.2” Desk Light https://a.co/d/eGJ40ErVisit my website to sign up for workshops, coaching or an evaluation OR my free 15 minute "Get to know You" session!troyholdenvoices.com

Short and sweet today with some tips for marketing YOU and keeping it consistent....

The VO Life is HARD. You start at GROUND ZERO trying to learn and you know NOTHING. Let me ask you to do one thing FIRST.... KNOW YOUR WORTH! Understanding rates and usage is PIVOTAL as you start and gron your business. DON'T BE ME and wait until 2 years in and think "WHOA I GOT PAID $300 FOR THAT" only to learn it was a $2500 spot! TRUTH! Eat, Sleep with and USE the GVAA RATES until you know them nearly by heart for BROADAST PLACEMENT and Never Ever step foot in the broadcast land of IN-PERPETUITY! BE A STUDENT OF THE CRAFT AND ThE RATES!!! Want to talk about Voiceover? CLICK HERE and go to the SCHEDULE TIME page!

It ain't over til it's over but folks.... it's about there for me this year! Let's talk about the wind down of 2024 and marketing and how things are changing for MY VO Life!

What a week it was.... ups for some, downs for many and the world still turns in VO... just don't partake of that juicy VO Punch that is served. Dig in, know the truth and do YOUR THING all while being good to one another. I have some downtime coming and we over that and my truck issues today plus even a little VO stuff!

Know your worth and explore the world of Agency with this weeks special guest Vince LeBica from DPN Talent. Learn how to negotiate and get paid fairly using the "percentage" tactic... and learn more about the "nicest guy in the business" who always takes time to listen at the conferences. Don't miss Vince and Charles Coats this week!

I have things to do... you may not. How we all run our business is different. How we started, how we operate day to day... but the ROI on everything we do is KEY to building routines. I gotta make some changes...and eat some old advice. I love crow....

Charles the Voice joins me again this week and we talk about the things you can and cannot control and about how Charles controlled his destiny and successes by strategically spending as his business grew and Troy talks about how he targets his marketing. A lot of spit-balling and good information this week!

Years ago I remember reading these books and today they apply to my business and maybe yours! How I am managaing all the things going on and rearranging life so I can sustain my business took a huge retool lately and getting rid of some "small stuff" mayhelp you as well. Join me on the VO LIFE today and get inspired to cut out some noise in your life!

There is a lot of noise in your VO LIFE! Noise in your head, noise on social media. What noise do you need to TURN OFF? Turn UP? Turn down?Today it's all aboutthe noise and my noise about that noise. Is that enough noise? Hear some more noise on todays episode....

The king of improv ... Tim Powers is to VO what vanilla is to ice cream... you CANNOT have other flavors without it right? Tim brings his perspective on improv, acting and what makes this so dang hard but so freaking rewarding as a career. From radio (and still doing radio) to a long VO career and coaching others, this is the DO NOT MISS episode of 2024! Visit Tim's site for coaching and hear his talent at voiceofpowers.com Visit your hosts also at:troyholdenvoices CharlesCoats

If you have not met the nicest and sweetest lady in VO, learn how much fun you are missing out on today on the VO LIFE! Nikki brings unique perspectives to making your days positive through turning things from bad to good and using the "dead cat" or the disco ball to change your audition and even your life. She also talks about the "picninc table" approach to VO and how she always surrounds herself with the right people.Learn more at NikkiLuLowe.com about this multi talented mom!

Part of this journey is all about LEARNING and PIVOTING. The rest of this year I am focising on a RE-TOOLING of my strategy. I have built a base of business to rely on and continue to market to grow that base BUT the P2P and other "wasted time" areas are being totally re-tooled and my approach on agents as well. Lots to do so 2025 becomes a stellar YEAR 5!

Life has run all over our household lately and "plans" to record weekly have been SHATTERED! Here's the update on my Summer and VO status and what we are facing here in the HOTTER THAN DEVILS BREATH state of Tennessee!!!